Whether you’re moving near or far, it may seem like a daunting task to find the most efficient and safest method to pack your belongings – especially fragile items like glassware and dishes.

It’s important that you can count on all your items being delivered in one piece, even the delicate and complex. The excitement of unloading your favorite coffee mug or expensive set of wine glasses into your new cabinets shouldn’t be halted by broken glass or chipped dishware. With careful attention and packing, your new home can be kitchen ready.

The Best Way to Pack Glassware

From the box itself to wrapping materials like newspaper and bubble wrap, you’ll need the right supplies. Consider using boxes that come with cardboard separators or cutting your own to minimize extra space and offer additional barriers. The goal is to reduce movement and vibration, keeping each breakable piece individually insulated from the others.

In the case of moving glassware, adding a fragile sticker to the box won’t be enough. Ensure your items remain intact with the following packing tips.

Start with a Base Layer

The best packing starts with a strong foundation. Try using packing paper, newspaper or bubble wrap to create a padded cushion for all your glassware. Depending on the size of your item, keep in mind certain materials may pose limitations for space. If you have extra cardboard lying around, cutting a piece to fit the base is a great way to reinforce the box.

Wrap Glasses Individually

Glass is actually more likely to break because of movement within the box than something hitting it from outside. It’s important that each glass is wrapped individually and protected from one another. The top and bottom edges are often overlooked, so be sure save extra paper or bubble wrap for those easy-to-miss, and vulnerable, areas.

Stuff the Inside of Your Glassware

While packing, negative space is your enemy. Be sure to fill the inside of your glasses to dampen any vibrations that may occur during travel. No matter the glassware, you’ll want to replicate this technique for stem and stemless glasses, coffee mugs and similar items.

End with a Top Layer

Finally, adding one extra layer of protection before sealing the box can be the saving grace. Using additional cardboard or filling the remaining space with packing paper can help minimize damage during the move. Should something fall on top of the box or be stacked inappropriately, your item will be adequately surrounded.

The Best Way to Pack Dishes

Similar to packing glassware, you’ll want to pay extra care and attention to each of your dishes to ensure they make it in one piece to your next home. While this process may look the same at first glance, the biggest difference is how you’ll address negative space. Instead of being left with one less bowl or a chipped plate in the cabinet, learn how to pack dishes and keep your kitchen essentials intact.

Lay Out Your Base Layer

Dishes are usually much heavier than glassware, so reinforcement is key. Consider lighter materials like packing paper or bubble wrap for your base layer. A soft bed for your dishes can still help protect from impact yet allow you to maximize space in the box.

Wrap Bowls and Plates Individually

Just as each piece of glassware should be wrapped individually, so should each bowl and plate. If you’re running low on packing materials, you can wrap two items together as long as there is material between them. Dishes should never be touching without a protective barrier.

Pack the Negative Space

With dishes, you’ll want to be strategic about how you use and save space within the box. Instead of using bulky packing materials to get rid of the negative space, try using other wrapped dishes. Because the weight and size of dishes are limiting factors, you’ll want to minimize the weight and space contributed from packing paper and bubble wrap— while still safely protecting your items.

Pack in Remaining Space

While it may be tempting to pack your box to the brim with dishes, weight is something to be mindful of, not only for the movers but for the integrity of the box as well. Feel free to leave plenty of room at the top, but then fill in all the remaining space with leftover materials. This extra packaging will be key in limiting movement and vibration throughout the process.

Hilldrup Packs, Crates, and Moves

Ensure your fragile items are in good hands and leave the packing to the professionals. Hilldrup offers customizable, partial or full-service packing and crating to make your move simple and reliable. Schedule a free quote today!

George Roth Author